Nature and environment (exam practice)

Governments set up protected areas so that endangered species can live without human pressure (1)_____________. The origin of modern nature reserves lies in medieval times, when landowners established game preserves for the protection of animals that they hunted. The idea of protecting animals simply to keep them from dying out did not arise until the 19th century. Today, (2) _______________________, the world is on track to meet a major global conservation target.

(1) _______________ it can also raise public awareness of environmental problems and provide funding for conservation efforts. Ecotourism is responsible travel (2) ________________ and improving the well-being of locals through economic support. Ecotourism involves a wide range of activities, from hiking and camping to safaris and wildlife photography, guided walks and cultural excursions, birdwatching, and forms of travel such as eco-camping. In brief, ecotourism promotes a greater understanding and appreciation for nature, local society, and culture.

Cars emit carbon dioxide, the most common human-caused greenhouse gas. (1) __________________________, cars produce smog that contributes to asthma and other public health problems. For trips where walking, biking, or public transportation aren’t an option, ride-sharing is a powerful way to cut down on carbon emissions. Ride-sharing, or carpooling, is a more environmentally-friendly way to travel as sharing journeys reduces air pollution

(2) ______________.

Solar is a smart long-term investment that reduces carbon footprint and produces no harmful emissions to the environment. As the world moves towards clean renewable energy and searches for the most cost-effective ways (1) ____________________________, solar energy has become the most consumer-friendly solution and a trendy resource for a good reason.

(2) _______________________, solar energy is abundant, sustainable, not needing much effort, and always improving.

Sorting waste has an impact far beyond our kitchens, garbage bins and even communities.

(1) ___________________________, we’re helping to improve air and water quality, tackle plastic pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. If we sort waste, less ends up in landfills and more of what we throw away can be reused and recycled at lower costs, (2) __________________________ to our environment and becomes difficult and dangerous to deal with.

When it comes to climate change and air quality, electric cars are promoted as a green alternative to conventional gasoline-powered vehicles.

(1) ____________________________ and experts broadly agree that plug-in vehicles are a more climate-friendly option, there are some concerns. Electric cars can have some negative environmental impact, (2) _____________________________________. It is important to properly recycle electric cars and their components to minimise the effect of their production on the environment.

Papermaking (1) ____________________ and using a significant quantity of chemicals. Printing, storing, transporting, and disposing of paper can put extra pressure on the environment. By transitioning from paper to digital, we can directly reduce our carbon footprint (2) ____________. If you want to go paperless, start small – use an electronic signature and stop printing out documents. Instead, scan all your documents and store them in the cloud.